#I personally settled on cubs but like kits are also good?

[loveafterthefact]

Love After the Fact Chapter 77: Reluctantly Home

Lance and Keith have a lot of adjusting to do. Especially Keith.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: - brief mentions of self harm brief mentions of substance abuse

Basically, Tavo has more routine questions about Keith’s physical and mental health

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Upon return to Altea, Adam and Pidge are led to a temporary medical station while Keith and Lance are ushered into a small room off the flight deck, where Tavo stands waiting, dressed in a body suit that includes a sealed hood and face shield. There’s a cart with some medical equipment on it, and a portable scanning arm and platform in the middle of the room.

“Welcome back, your Majesties. Crown Prince Lancel, kindly stand on this platform for a full body scan.” Lance does as he’s told, waiting patiently as the arm spins around and around. The scan takes several doboshes. When it’s Keith’s turn, the scan is significantly shorter.

“That’s it?”

“I don’t want to subject you to a full scan’s radiation,” Tavo explains. Not that that qualifies as an explanation. The physician gestures to a pair of chairs. “Please, your Majesties.”

Keith sits next to Lance, eyeing a tray of ten syringes. He tenses, discovering that he’s developed an aversion to needles, likely a result of all the injections he suffered during his last growth spurt.

“I have a few questions for you. Have either of you been experiencing: yellow pustules on the shins, loss of scales, loss of hair or fur, flaking or crusting skin, nasal congestion, obstructed vision, unexplained bleeding from any orifice including pores and tear ducts, chills, night sweats, swollen lymph nodes, body aches, headaches, fatigue, nausea, and/or vomiting?”

Lance shakes his head, visibly apprehensive. Keith nods. “Some fatigue last quintant and especially this one.”

Tavo makes a note on his datapad. “Headaches? Nausea? Changes in diet? Excessive and/or frequent urination?”

“No.”

Lance seems a little confused, but takes note that Keith is calm, collected, and completely unphased by Tavo’s questioning.

“Excellent. Let me know if you experience these or any other new phenomena.” Tavo writes something down on his datapad, then turns his attention to his tray of syringes.

“Now. Crown Prince Lancel, this is a nutrient serum to make up for certain deficiencies you may have acquired on your travels.” Lance removes his vest and tight shirt, lets Tavo clean a scaleless patch on his arm. The injection takes a long time, the fluid thick, viscous like glue or resin. That done, Tavo offers Lance a small cup with two tiny pills. “Excellent. Swallow these. They may give you diarrhea.”

“I beg your pardon?” Lance asks, not moving to take the pills.

“They will give you diarrhea if you have parasites. The parasites may kill you.”

“Diarrhea it is.” Lance takes and dry swallows the pills. “What’s next?”

“An antibiotic, and immune system booster, and boosters of various vaccines you both received either at your last physical or your arrival on Altea.”

Keith watches quietly as Lance receives seven more injections, three in that same arm, three in the other. Then he sits quietly for his two.

“That’s it. We’re all finished.” Keith notices that Tavo is being gentle with him, seems to sense his unease even before the needle pierces his skin. “Crown Prince Lancel, I must speak with Prince Yorak privately. Do you mind?”

“Not at all.” Lance rises from his seat, goes to stretch his arms over his head, only to think better of it. Instead, he kisses Keith’s cheek. “I’d better go and explain away our new pets. And that we will be receiving a gift in the form of some livestock. Meet you in our quarters?”

“Yes, thank you.”

After the door slides shut behind Lance’s retreating figure, Keith looks up to the physician expectantly.

“You have some small scars here on the inside of your arm. What are those from?”

“Oh. Those are from a port. I needed it during my growth spurt because I needed regular injections to help me grow.”

“I see.” Tavo makes a note on his datapad. “So you have no history of substance abuse or self harm, is that correct?”

“Yes.”

“And the skeletal abnormalities detected in your scans are related to…?”

“The inherited growth disorder from my mother that affects my growth plates and metabolism. It’s believed to be a gland abnormality, but the cause is still undetermined… It’s so rare, my disease doesn’t even have a name.”

Tavo’s already kind face softens. Keith wonders if he understands what that’s like, to not be able to name what’s wrong with his body. “I see. Forgive my questioning. Substance abuse can affect the health of a fetus, and your safety and well-being is also key.”

“Thace spoke to you?”

“He did indeed. I have this here…” Tavo hands over a sheet of foil cells. “In each of these cells is a daily prenatal vitamin. Just press down on the bubble, and the tablet should pop through the foil on the other side. We have a few options, all determined safe for both Alteans and Galra, so you needn’t worry. We’re starting you early, but we’d like you to keep us apprised of if they make you feel unwell, or if your body starts to reject them.”

“You mean if they make me puke?”

“Yes.” Tavo smiles. “We chose these because Thace said he could not smell or taste them, even when taken with water. I modified them a bit to accommodate an interspecial fetus.”

Keith nods, watches Tavo take and record some extra vitals.

“You’re actually in pretty decent health, given your… we’ll say ‘limited’ medical history and recent difficulties. I’m sure Thace has mentioned it, but we are concerned about your caloric intake. You’re a bit underweight as it is. Do you have any goals for your personal health during pregnancy?”

“Didn’t we go over this?”

“Yes, but now you are alone. No one is here but yourself, and a licensed physician bound to confidentiality. Even his Majesty the King would find it difficult to force information from me. He’d have to prove malicious intent.”

Keith nods. “I want to improve my personal physical condition in these early phoebs, then maintain that condition until delivery.”

Tavo nods. “I think that’s an appropriate expectation. Were your child fully Galra, they’d likely already have a heartbeat, but my scan detected nothing. This means you’re looking at a longer pregnancy.”

“Okay.” Keith yawns, quite suddenly very sleepy.

“Have you been feeling a lot of fatigue lately?”

“Only the past quintant or two, like I said. I'll be just fine and then- falling asleep on the spot.” Keith shrugs. “Why?”

“It’s one of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy. Do not ignore your body when it speaks to you. You may find yourself desiring Altean foods. If you can eat them, do so.”

“I will. May I be excused to take a nap then?” Seeing Keith’s playful quirk of the lips, Tavo chuckles, nods. “Thank you.”

When Keith finds his way to his quarters, Lance is waiting, passing him a hot cup of tea.

“Thank you… When did we start drinking so much tea?”

“No idea. What did Tavo want?”

“Kit stuff. He wanted to know if there was anything I hadn’t felt comfortable saying in front of you. Just asked how I was feeling, if there was anything I wanted. He gave me some vitamins, and asked if I’m normally as sleepy as I am.”

“Sleepy?”

“Very.”

“I take it that’s not normal,” Lance chuckles.

“Not at all. You know me: I sleep when you sleep. Right now?” Keith sets the tea down, settles his head on Lance’s collarbone with a happy sigh. “I could sleep standing up.”

Lance laughs, kisses his ear. “Okay, well how about we at least make it to the bed, huh?”

At Keith’s nod, Lance leads him there, an arm around his shoulders. “Will you join me?”

“I have some messages to respond to, but I’ll join you, yes.”

“Oh, did you need help?” Keith crawls into bed, the smell of fresh sheets pluming where he settles his weight.

“You can help when you wake up.” Lance picks the wolf cub up off the floor and into Keith’s reaching arms. “He’s already been out by the way.”

“M’kay.” Keith settles in, snuggling up to Lance until his head is in his lap, a purr thrumming deep in his chest. He can hear BleepBloop playing on the ladder to his loft. “Lance?”

“Beloved?”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.” Lance reaches around, rubbing Keith's belly. “And you, baby.”

“You know it’s just a wad of cells, right? It doesn’t even have a heartbeat.”

“Maybe so, but I love that little wad of cells with all my heart.”

Keith yawns, tongue curling, legs stretching stiff till they tremble, before he tucks his legs close to his chest, snuggling into the blanket Lance throws over him. The wolf cub mimics his behavior, yawning and stretching before curling up against Keith’s stomach.

“Lance?”

“Yes, beloved?”

“I love them too. So much.”

Lance’s fingers find his hair, the base of his ear, and Keith purrs louder as he starts to drift into sleep.

“I know you do, beloved.”

It’s a couple movements before Lance and Keith manage to get the kingdom back in order -mostly-, and subsequently a couple movements before Lance is able to meet Hunk and Shay’s new baby. Once he does have an opportunity, he doesn’t want to wait.

“You sure you’re okay by yourself?” Lance asks, eyes his husband with concern as he removes his cloak from their closet, putting his arms through the sleeves. The final phoeb of winter before thaw is the coldest. "I can wait."

Keith nods. “I’ll be fine. I think I’ll read or take a nap. My stomach isn’t feeling too good.”

“It isn’t?” Lance frowns. “It seems a little early for morning sickness.”

“It’s a little early for fatigue like this too, but here I am.” At Lance’s worried expression, he presses the issue. “Really, Lance. I’m just a little queasy, and not up for the ride. You can go. Wolf, BleepBloop and I will stay and rest.”

“Okay… Call me if you want me to come back, alright?”

“I will.” Keith kisses his mate, helping the man with his gloves. “Stay warm. I’ll see you soon.”

It’s a short, frigid walk out to the stables to where Bruna and Calik have been accommodated. Alfor was displeased with their presence, but ultimately admitted that they were cool after watching them rip apart a klaanmural. Coran was delighted from the very beginning.

Lance trots down the mountainside into the city, the elk carrying him much faster than a shreika every could. But, as Bruna carries him among the residential district, he has to admit that if Keith’s nauseous, the animal’s gait definitely won’t help...

“Hel-lo. Hel-lo. Oh, Ancients, aren’t you perfect!” Lance grins down at the little baby. Lance boops the infant’s nose, grinning. “Welcome to the world, little one.”

“We named her Nephele, after Shay’s grandmother,” Hunk says, leaning over the prince’s shoulder.

The infant looks like her parents: olive skin, golden eyes, brown, cartilaginous growths on top of her head. Her skin lacks the bumpy texture of her parents and older sister, presumably to ease birth. She sleeps soundly in Lance’s arms.

“She’s beautiful. Congratulations, man.” Lance grins so big that the corners of his eyes crinkle.

“Thanks, buddy.”

The infant starts to fuss, wriggling in Lance’s arms.

“Oh, okay. Okay, sweetheart. Here you go.” He passes Nephele back to her father, who rocks her.

“So… Where’s Keith?”

“He’s sleeping. He’s been feeling a bit under the weather for the past movement or so.”

Oh?- Oh! Really?”

Lance takes a deep breath, grinning even wider.

“Hey, that’s awesome! Well, it’s not awesome that he doesn’t feel good, obviously, but… That’s awesome. Seriously.”

“Yeah…” Lance smiles. “We’re really happy about it. We have gifts for you from Daibazaal, but I couldn’t carry them on Bruna. I’ll have them brought to you soon.”

“Aw, you didn’t have to do that!” Hunk grins, still holding his newborn.

“Oh, please.” Lance waves away Hunk’s protest. “It was our pleasure. Keith picked most of them, including a windchime for Nephele.”

“Oooh, that sounds cool! Say, what did you think of Daibazaal? Was it scary? Were the people not nice?”

Lance grins, sits down at the table, eager to talk all about the six movements he spent on Daibazaal. He talks until nightfall, until it’s time to put Nephele to sleep. Lance pokes his head into the bedroom, giving Shay a brief goodbye before letting her go back to sleep, taking advantage of Rosetta spending the night at a friend’s house.

“Alright, buddy. Have a good night now.” Hunk pulls his friend into a bone-crushing hug. “And let Keith know that if he feels up to visiting, he’s welcome. Or he can just come visit me in the kitchens.”

“Oh, I’m sure he’ll be doing the second one,” Lance chuckles. “Of course I’ll let him know.”

When he returns, he finds a very frustrated Adam marching up to him through the thick frost. “So your husband is throwing a tantrum.”

“Oh? What about?”

“I told him to go eat something. He didn’t like that.”

“Were you incredibly indelicate?”

“I was the normal amount of indelicate.”

“Right.” Lance followed his attendant up to the castle, passing him his animal-scented, frost-dampened cloak to take to the laundry. He knocks on their bedroom door before entering.

“Hey, beloved. What’s up?”

“Nothing,” the Galra bites, glaring down from his loft. “Tell Adam that he doesn’t own me.”

“I think he got the message, seeing as he came running to me the moment I left the barn.”

“Oh, so he thinks you own me? Is that what you guys think?”

Lance strips off his damp clothes, pulling on some of the clothes they brought back from Daibazaal. “Of course not, beloved.”

Lance is confused. He’s not at all sure why Keith is acting this way. He has some idea, of course, but either way, Keith is upset and Lance wants to fix it.

“What would you like to do?” Lance asks.

“I’d like to be left alone!”

“Okay.” Lance opens the doors to the garden, lets the wolf cub out to use the bathroom. BleepBloop is watching him from one the loft ladder, his new favorite spot. When the cub’s finished, Lance closes the doors to keep out the cold, and flops down on the couch in front of the fireplace to read Lanval’s latest report. “I’m going to take care of a few missives before I get some dinner. If you want to join me, you’re welcome to.”

Lance reads Laval’s report in full, annotating carefully, then reading it again to find connections within the information. The overall reaction to their return is relief. Altea just isn’t the same without the princes. It hasn’t escaped the court’s notice that they’re much closer than they were when they left. Gossip is rampant. At least, more so than usual.

He’s interrupted when Keith parks himself in his lap, burying his face in his shoulder. He sniffles.

“Hey, beloved.” Lance tugs on Keith’s hair, the way he’s done since that barely even knew each other. “Feeling better?”

“No.” Keith sniffles again. “Poor Adam. I was so mean.”

“I’m sure he understands, beloved.” Lance tosses his datapad aside, drawing Keith closer, wrapping him up in his arms. “Are you having mood swings?”

Keith nods, cuddles in as close as he can get. “I’m sorry.”

“I know. It’s okay, beloved. I know you didn’t mean it. I bet it felt awful.”

“It did,” Keith sobs. “I’m so sorry, Lance.”

“It’s alright, beloved. I forgive you.” Lance kisses the base of his ear, holding his husband while he cries out his tumultuous emotions. “Do you want anything? Some tea? Something to eat? I’m about to send for some dinner.”

“Okay,” Keith sniffles. “I can- I can eat something… Hold me?”

“Of course I will.” Lance squeezes him tight. “I adore you, beloved. With all my heart. No matter what.”

“I adore you, too.” Keith settles in with a hum, closes his eyes as Lance rubs at the base of his ear, kisses his forehead. They’re still like that, Keith curled up against his chest, Lance’s fingers in his hair, lips travelling his face, when their food arrives with Adam. The Atlean says nothing, only rubs Keith’s head between his ears like a little kit to try and make him smile.

It doesn’t quite work, but it helps, and by the end of the night, Keith’s nibbled his way through his meal and a snack, and seems to be feeling a bit better.

Definitely well enough to tease Lance about all his stupid new earrings.

[dreams-of-the-arcana]

31 Days of Arcana: Day 10 Familiar

⚠️ Warnings: Implied animal abuse, panic attack, fire ⚠️

Ialonus was rescued from a traveling circus but things definitely did not go to plan...

Ialonus

Uh-oh

Simple and to the point.

The blaring sounds of knowing things are definitely not going as planned.

That was all Andi could hear over the loud pounding in her ears as she sat in the back area of the largest tent she’d ever seen.

‘Who decides to use a tent to house shows that include fire?!”

Only a few days before, Andi and Asra heard the news of a traveling circus stopping by outside the city gates while shopping in the market. Life had begun to settle down after Lucio’s brief reign of terror ended and perhaps the citizens could use some fun.

“I hear they have one of the largest displays of captive animals this side of Prakra!”

One sentence was all it took to put an end to any ideas of merriment in Andi’s mind.

Over the days leading up to the events, Andi tried to rationalize the information to herself.

‘They could be tame animals being treated very well? There’s no need to assume the worst! They could be happy...’

Nothing quelled the dark feeling in her gut though. So she began to form a plan.

Asra noticed the looks of concentration and determination in Andi and decided to let her come to him when she felt comfortable. Circuses and carnivals had always been a hard subject for her since her days on her own. Asra heard all the stories of her animal liberations from meat markets, private zoos, or poachers when they were teenagers. Now, Andi didn’t have any of those memories.

Asra tried his best to tell her a little when she asked, careful that she didn’t become overwhelmed. But the scars on her hands and arms from daring rescues were a permanent reminder of the time she’d lost.

No, she would have to do something.

On the day of the festivities the two mages wandered into the field where a whole world seemed to spring up.

Color screamed at them from every direction, the sounds of shouting or laughter reverberated off the flimsy walls, delicious and not so pleasant smells filled the air.

Andi spotted someone in make-up made to look like a fish juggling fire sticks while telling jokes. At the same time, Asra watched someone on tall stilts stepping over the crowds and tossing little candies below them.

Magic thrummed in the air as many of the performers weaved it into their acts.

Andi had to pause often in quiet corners to focus on her emotional shield. If even the smallest crack appeared, she’d be quickly overtaken by all the emotions swirling around.

The magicians wandered, awed, and ate whatever caught their eye until the sun had set.

As soon as the dark crept in, lights appeared to fill a strange looking tent in the middle of the field. Performers began herding the crowds into the tent with promises that the best had yet to come.

Andi and Asra allowed themselves to be swept in but stood near a door in case they needed a quick exit. Unfortunately, the best did not come.

A large sweaty man in obnoxiously bright clothing stood at the center of the tent and began to yell out his introductions. This was the Show Of the Beast. Andi gripped Asra’s hand a little tighter.

Inside the circle spread out in the middle, zebras appeared magically and started to run. Ooo’s and Aww’s poured in at the impressive sight. Dancers took to the middle and began to command the Zebras. It was all so organized. The Zebras moved as they were told, dogs ran in wearing little outfits and performed tricks, even a wolf appeared where they gave a good howl to the sky. The crowd loved every moment.

But by the door, Andi’s aura grew darker. Did they not notice the marks on the Zebras legs? The terrified look of those dogs? The malnourished wolf who walked with a heavy chain? Or did they just not care.

It was all too much for her.

Andi excused herself by telling Asra she was going out for some fresh air. He offered to come with her and even better, offered to go home early but Andi waved it off. Around the corner of the tent she took a deep breath. Slowly, her magic reached out to map out the inside of the tent. Animals were kept in a closed off area where the guests couldn’t see them but only one person sat with them.

Andi leaned against the canvas wall outside the room and seemed to slip through the surface as if it were only the surface of water. She tried not to pause and wonder where she’d learned that or how she even knew to do it.

Cages filled the room and the sounds of miserable cries came from all around. It broke her heart to hear but at the same time made sneaking easier. Ever so carefully, Andi pulled out her little lock picking kit and got to work. Once a cage was unlocked she pressed it closed with a little magic so all the animals stayed inside instead of bursting out in ones and twos. Then she spotted the lone guard whose chair sat right in front of a very large cage holding a very unhappy looking lioness.

Andi his herself behind some cages and closed her eyes. It was easier to use the kit but with someone so close she’d have to use magic. Lock picking was a delicate type of magic, she had to do the exact same process as before only without the physical tools or feelings. Essentially, Andi had to become the tools and the skill at the same time.

Precious seconds seemed to tick by so quickly as she focused on each individual tumbler. Clicks so faint sounded like canons.

Finally, the lock gave.

That’s when the plan fell apart.

Andi took half a second of relief after the lock released and apparently that was all it took for the lioness to form her own plan. Andi didn’t have time to hold the door closed before a strong force slammed into the metal doors. The lioness forced her way out of the cage and launched at the person guarding her. They screamed as they ran from the room and in the panic Andi accidentally lost focus and all the doors released at once.

Chaos erupted.

Screams of humans and animals overtook everything. Andi curled up on herself with her hands pressed firmly over her ears.

Too much.

Fur brushed by her skin.

Too much.

Smells of sweat and excitement.

Too much.

Smoke.

Fire.

Too much.

A small ball of golden light.

Too much.

Softness wormed it’s way into her arms.

Too much...

A heat radiated at her core...

A soft voice...

‘Safe’

Andi awoke in her own bed hours later clutching her core as if to hold onto the imaginary warmth.

Asra was by her side immediately and cautiously wrapped her in his arms. He held her tightly and whispered soothing words. As Andi came to her senses the memories of the night flooded back in.

“A-Asra?” Her voice cracked.

“Shhh, my love, you’re safe. You’re home.”

Andi nodded unconsciously.

“Wha-what happened?”

“There was a fire...,” he started then sighed.

“You kept a secret from me.”

Andi looked down at her lap in shame. Instead she saw an unexpected sight. A small ball of tan fur snoozed away as she clutched it to her. The warmth was real and coming off of this tiny creature.

“Asra...? What’s this?”

Asra peered over her shoulder at the lump.

“Oh, yes. I couldn’t get you two apart when I found you.”

Andi gently lifted the animal up to eye level so she could get a better look. Sleepily they revealed large blue-grey eyes and yawned so long pointy teeth were on display.

“This... this is a Lion, Asra.”

Andi stared in shock but the cub didn’t seem to care and started whining about his interrupted nap.

‘Sleep!’

“Asra! It talked!”

Realization hit Asra first and he reached out to lower her arms so the cub could lay back down.

“It is. They also seem to be your familiar because I didn’t hear it speak.”

Andi stared at the bundle in shock. Of course she’d always wondered when or even if she’d get a familiar but a lion had never crossed her mind. She’d always thought a wolf would be closest to her own temperament. Maybe even a housecat or a dog. Never something so wholly beyond their normal realm of animal life.

Then again, she wondered if that’s why she’d never found them until now.

“I just never saw myself as a lion-like person,” she mused.

“Isn’t that the point though? If our familiars were like us, we’d never learn anything from them. Instead maybe we find those who help us unlock another part of ourselves.”

Andi smiled, she liked that idea. Her face quickly fell though and she groaned.

“Feeding him is going to be a nightmare...”

[forallyourikemensengokuneeds]

Secret santa present

Title: Carving a Tradition

Fandom: IkeSen

Suitor: Masamune

To: @selenecrawford

From: @darkmindsthinktwistedthoughts

A/N: Happy Holidays my dear. I how you have a time as rewarding and joyful as this tale.

--

The hall was perfect. It had taken a lot of work and the enlistment of almost half of the castle staff to pull it off but the main audience hall of Oshu Castle was finally looking a lot like a modern-day Christmas.

It was hard to locate the items she had in mind but thankfully she was going out with a guy who’s name not only opened doors but the ability to acquire and procure the things she wanted. Small paper lanterns had taken the place of fairy lights. Intricately cut paper became fine decorations attached to folded paper garlands in festive shades and was hung around the room, draped over the original ornamentation of the building.

The Lord of the castle was cloistered away in the kitchens working on variations of the dishes she had described to him as a traditional feast. This was something he had most looked forward too during their discussions on the holiday so it was no surprise when he announced Oshu would have its own winter festival and he was preparing a feast for everyone.

There was one item that she had had her heart set on. The focal point of the celebration as far as she was concerned. A tree. It had been a request that she entrusted to her friend Sasuke. Being from the future as well, she felt if anyone could find a tree closest to the one she desired, it would be him. A 10-foot-high spruce that apparently had a complicated scientific name making it sound like it had more of an education than she did was the result. Swathes of thin fabric clung to the branches along with paper cranes and tiny fans. Yes, today was going to be the day that she could reveal her creation to her boyfriend. Just one last finishing touch…

“Hey Kitten you got a minute I need you to try this dish for me!”

Balanced on a chair attempting to attach a star to the top of the tree the Princess stopped in her actions after hearing Masa drawing closer in the hallway.

“Masa? I told you, you couldn’t come in till I said so!” She called out as she adjusted herself to get down.

“I know that and I’m not coming in I was just going to open the door a little and get you to try this food.” After saying this the large sliding door began to move. She rushed towards them imagining that they would somehow open completely if she didn’t, but before she could take more than a few steps disaster struck. 20 lbs of furry chaos flew past her as it rocketed through the small gap in the doors making its way towards the biggest and most fun looking thing in the room.

“NO!”

A loud creaking announced the inevitable ground-shaking crash as the 10-foot tree was knocked flat to the ground as if it had been hit by a truck. The paper ornaments scattered to the four corners, which only served to entertain the Tiger cub more as he then took it as a fun idea to begin chasing them as if they were falling leaves in the garden.

The Princess’s cry had Masa cursing under his breath as he broke his word and pushed the doors open as wide as he could with one hand the other resting on the hilt of his sword as if he was waiting for an attacker to present themselves. His eye roamed the room not really taking in any of the decorations until it settled on the impudent kit mauling at something that looked very much like the things Mc had been making in her room. Balls of string, paper origami shapes…

“Shogetsu you bad cat get back here now!” He chastised the cub but it was all too late. The branches of the once decorated tree were crushed and broken on one side. The decorations were all in different variations of broken, unravelled and chewed. It was a disaster.

Mc moved in slow motion as she made her way to the fallen symbol. Her hand trembled a little as she picked up one of the fabric ornaments she had made especially. It had two small figures on it and one large cat. The text “Our first Christmas” was embroidered on it. She didn’t know if she wanted to laugh, scream or cry.

“Hey… Mc? Mc? I have been calling you for the last few minutes and you haven’t said a thing.” Masa placed his hand on her shoulder attempting to get her to look at him and when she did, he thought his heart was going to stop. Her eyes were glazed over, unfocused with unshed tears. The emotions flickering like a candle in the darkness were moving rapidly unable to settle on any one single reaction. “Kitten?”

“I’m sorry Masa. I just wanted to show you what a real Christmas looked like and I failed.” Her voice was small and weak. It hadn’t been her fault and yet she was taking all the blame. It was so like her. Her kind heart was one of the things he loved about her. Loved and hated. She could have stood to be a little more selfish at times. He would have given her everything. He still would give her everything. Wrapping her in his arms he watched as the tiger left the room oblivious to the aftermath of turmoil it had created.

“Come on Mc it’s not the end of the world. We can get another tree.”

“No, we can’t.” Her voice was muffled in his chest but he could still hear the stifled pain in it.

“Why not?” He pulled back a little so he could see her. He didn’t really understand why this was so important but it clearly was otherwise she wouldn’t be so upset. And if it was important to her then it was important to him too.

“Masa it’s Christmas Eve. There is no way we can get a new tree here from the same place we found this one in one night. It’s impossible. I mean it took 3 days to get this one here.” She sounded defeated and not at all like the girl he knew. Her shoulders were rounded as she slumped with her mood.

“Hey now.” He took his hand and tilted her chin to look at him. “Are you forgetting who your boyfriend is? You want a tree I’ll get you a tree. There is no such thing as impossible.”

“But—”

“No but’s. You just wait, Kitten. I’ll fix this.”

-

It was around noon in the castle by the time the real buzz started to hit a fever pitch. Everyone had been invited by Masa to attend the party and so naturally all members of staff were dressed up in their finery. They still insisted on helping with serving for rest of the guests but there was no doubt that the idea of dressing up had put them all in a festive mood.

The one person who had been the most excited now looked to be the most miserable. Mc had sat in her room attempting to make new decorations for a tree that no longer existed and glancing over at her fabric bauble. The tragic look on her face didn’t change or shift no matter how much time had passed. This was bad. An unhappy Princess meant an unhappy Masa and that was no one’s idea of fun.

It was about the eighth time she had tried to fold some paper when she finally gave up and stopped forcing herself to try to march on. Masa had been kind and sweet as always in his support of her but this was something different and she was not sure how he would manage to keep his word this time.

*Knock, knock*

“Kitten? It’s me.”

“I’m not very good company right now Masa. I have to prepare for the party as well.” She tried to brush off his visit to gain some time to prepare herself. She needed time to correct her mood before she saw anyone.

“Don’t worry bout any of that all you need to do is turn up. But I really need you right now Mc. I have to get you to check things for me so I can tell if I did a good job or not?” He sounded like a pleading child. But he also said he needed her. It was those words that had her moving automatically to greet him. Suppressing a groan, she got up from the floor and tottered to the door. Masa was standing on the other side as lively as ever.

“What am I checking?”

“Come with me I’ll show you.”

They walked in silence to the scene of the crime. Mc’s heart lurched at the memory. She knew it sounded silly to be so emotional over a tree for one day of the year but there was so little here that felt like her modern-day roots that she had become a little emotional.

“Ok now. I don’t really know what it was supposed to look like but I think I did it.” He said as he paused by the doors.

“What did you do?”

“The impossible.” There was a twinkle in his eye that she loved.

“Masa….”

“Hey don’t look at me like Yoshi does I didn’t do anything bad. Just open the door if you don’t believe me.” Masa grumbled whilst encouraging her to slide the door.

Inside was the same room now tidy and free from tiger attack signs. The decorations that hadn’t been broken were all being used to decorate the tables and raised seating. But that wasn’t what caught her eye. In the centre of the room where there had once been a majestic spruce there now stood a tree carved into shape made out of ice.

Her eyes followed the surface of it the limbs were all separate levels but also had incredible looking carved decorations on its surface. It sparkled in the lamp lights making it look as though it was covered in glittering stars.

“Masa… y-you did this?”

“Of course.” He said proudly puffing out his chest a little whilst still nervously checking her reactions. “Do you like it, Kitten?”

She turned to him and immediately dragged him into a tight embrace.

“Like it? Masa I love it! I had no idea you could carve like that.” Mc pointed at the ice sculpture. Her face was beaming a pure and natural smile. He felt like he could breathe again for the first time.

“Sure, it was just like carving that root vegetable for Halloween.” He shrugged trying to play it cool and hoping she would ignore the heat growing on his cheeks as he had a sudden thought about just how adorable she was.

“Why did you?”

“For you Kitten. I know you wanted to make this the best Christmas ever for me but I also wanted to be able to do something for you too. I realise Shogetsu playing with the tree was unplanned but I’m still a little happy he did that because now I can say I helped too.” He admitted his own small shameful truth a little happy to have it off his chest.

“Masa… you always help me. I was just trying to do the bits I could do because you were doing so much in the kitchen.”

“Well now, aren’t we a pair?”

“Sure are.”

“Do you like the tree Kitten?”

“Yes. I think everyone should have one.”

“Ha-ha that’s great but I don’t think I have enough ice to make that dream come true for you this year.” His laughter reverberated in the room, filling it with the first round of joy it would see for the night.

“It is missing something though.” Taking the ornament from her sleeve she placed it next to the ice tree. “There. Now it’s perfect.”

“Agreed.” Masa kissed her brow looking at the fabric ornament feeling his chest grow a little warmer. She was always cute but there were times she was so cute he genuinely thought he was going to overdose on her sweetness. “Merry Christmas Mc.”

“Merry Christmas Masa.”

--

[ryuspike]

DnD 5e Race: Vulpine

Here it is. The race information for my version of fox-folk. I designed most of them off of their real life counterparts and what they are associated with most. I also went through a lot of balancing so that the subraces don’t feel over- or under-powered compared to the others. Though one subrace is clearly a bit more powerful for obvious reasons.

I originally created this because a friend of mine wanted to play a fox character but the best they can find are reskinned Tabaxi race traits. Feel free to try these out in your own games (with DM consent) and see how it plays out. I’ll love to hear your thoughts.

Vulpine Race

Terminology. Vulpine have special terms for each other. Vulp is a shorthand for vulpine and vulps is the plural tense of that word. Vulpine children are often called kits or cubs. A female vulpine is usually referred to as a vixen and a male vulpine is called a tod.

Lore. Long ago, spiritual beings that take the form of foxes ran wild in the world. The gods discovered these creatures, and some have tamed them as their personal messengers to the mortal realm. The constant contact between them and mortal led to some of these foxes to start families with them. Children sired by these foxes tend to carry on their traits like long noses, narrow faces, or squinted eyes. The most extreme, however, bore foxlike appendages and some even looked entirely like the animal. This led to many of them being shunned by families and neighbors as they are driven out from society. Not even the gods shown them much mercy as they leave these outcasts in fate’s hands.

Not many of fox spirits went out of their way to protect their children as they were either too scared of the mortals’ or gods’ wrath, or just too selfish to care about their offspring’s misfortune. Eventually, a goddess and an entourage of caring fox parents gathered the forsaken fox children and led them into a hidden paradise. There, the people lived in peace and harmony. Their vulpine traits became unified as they formed families together and inherited their parents’ fox appearance. Several centuries gone by and their numbers grew too great for the paradise to sustain them forever. The gods knew that it was time for their chosen children to make an important decision: stay hidden in their paradise and risk over population or go out into the world and endure the hardships it brings.

Many had argued over what is the right choice to make. Those that wanted to stay still remember the hatred their families were subjected to and refused to be part of that world. Countless others, however, felt like they are ready to rejoin the world and sate their growing wander lust. Arguments raged on until it was finally decided that the vulpine people will split off from each other. Those that wanted to stay and those who chose to leave for knew lands. The pilgrims soon after built boats and set off into new lands as they left their home behind.  Many of them splitting off from each other as they seek to populate across the new world.

Age. All vulpine live an average lifespan of 90 to 100 years. The zao vulpine, however, are said to live up to 150 years due to their close connection to the vulpine gods.

Language. All vulpine can speak common and their ancestral language of Vulpanese. The dialect is often different between cultures little change in the actual language. (If DM doesn’t agree with this language choose, the language can be anything else of your choice)

Darkvision. Nocturnal by nature, you have excellent vision in dark places. You can see dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Fox’s Cunning. Your keen mind gives you proficiency with Perception and one of the following: Deception, Survival, or Stealth.  

Fox’s Claws. Your claws are a natural weapon, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of bludgeoning damage normal for unarmed strikes. Russet and arctic vulpine can use their claws to move with 20 feet of climbing and 10 feet of burrowing speed. Fennec vulpine claws give them climbing speed of 10 feet and burrowing speed of 20 feet.

Russet Vulpine

Lore. The most common of the vulpine races, the russet vulpine had integrated themselves among the other races of the world. They still had to face with plenty of prejudice as many races assumed that the vulpine are not trustworthy due to their more angular and sly features. Others saw they as much larger foxes whose fur would fetch a high price on the market. During the early years of some countries, it was legal to hunt and kill vulpine for their fur. As society grew, such barbaric practices were treated like sporting events for noble families. This led to the russet vulpine to learn how to adapt quickly with their surroundings so to better escape from these hunts.

Due to being foreign travelers, it was rare to see a russet vulpine given a high-ranking position in any government that wasn’t headed by their own people. This makes vulpine one of the largest members of the lower class in the world. Many of them either forced to live in the streets of cities or out in the wilderness or rural areas. The vulpine are often given jobs that do not give out much pay so a good number of them resort to stealing in order to feed their families. The few vulpine that find themselves in noble or governing positions tend to either attempt to use their position of power to aid their people, or allow the unfair system to continue as the live a life of luxury.

Russet vulpine are solitary creatures. Sticking to small family units and protecting their own. Thanks to the constant hunting of their people, they learned to be craftier and faster those seeking to take their fur. Parents often instructing their children the layout of the land so that they can always have an escape route to head for. Common vulpine children games are used as learning tools as they involve one child trying to hunt down the others until they either give up or all the other children are “dead”. These cautionary games helped many young vulps survive out in a harsh world that seeks to harm them.

Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Intelligence score increases by 1.

Alignment. Most of your kind are neutral good as they want to benefit their societies. Some will branch out depending on their life choices.

Appearance. You resemble the most common of fox breeds with a fur coat that falls under the warmer shades of color like red, orange, yellow, brown, and gray. Various black and white markings can often be found around your ears, muzzle, chest, arms, legs, and tail. You have a long, bushy tail that is highly coveted by others.

Size. Your adult height is often found between 4 and 5 feet. You weigh as much as an average humanoid of that size. Your size is Medium.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet

Terrain Traveler. When taking your Dash action, difficult terrain doesn’t cost you any extra movement. Climbing, swimming, and burrowing use normal movement.

Leaping Dodge. When a creature targets you for an attack that requires an attack roll, use your reaction to move to an unoccupied 5-foot square space adjacent to you. If the path to that space is not blocked by anything, the attacking creature automatically misses and attacks of opportunity are at a disadvantage while you move to that space. You can’t use this trait again until after a short or long rest.

Arctic Vulpine

Lore. Up in the far north, early vulpine settlers were met with a harsh environment that killed many of them. Those that survived kept themselves alive as they learned to combat the cold and avoid its dangerous creatures. Over generations, these vulpine evolved to survive the cold and rugged terrain. They developed tribes and soon fully functioning villages. Some became travelling nomads who move with the hunt while those that settled learned to raise cattle to sustain themselves. The two groups are often friendly and would trade among each other so to improve both their lifestyles.

Arctic vulpine are solitary creatures, more so than others of their race, and do not traditional have large family groups. After a vulpine has become of age, they are immediately thrusted out into the world. They are encouraged to either take on a job that will benefit their community or go out on their own to discover their own purpose. This fast track to adulthood causes many arctic to seemingly mature faster than most other races as they come to value independence for the sake of their own survival in a harsh world.

While arctic vulpine families are not often living together, they do still hold a bond with each other like many other races. During the winter solstice, there is a tradition amongst their people to have families gather to celebrate the longest winter together. Families often travelling great distances to the homes of their eldest family members. If that elder or family member had passed away since the last solstice, the gathered families would hold a ceremony to honor all who had past before moving on to more joyous festivities.

Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Constitution score increases by 1.

Alignment. The harsh tundra climate has made these vulpine true neutral creatures. Survival is a large part of their society and only strong personal connections are valued over strangers.

Appearance. You resemble the arctic fox and share many traits with it. In colder climates, you gain a thick coat of white fur that often blends in with the snow. During summer seasons or warmer climates, your coat with turn a gray or brown color. Some rare individuals keep their white fur all year around no mater the climate they are in.

Size. Your adult height is often found between 4 and 5 feet. You weigh as much as an average humanoid of that size. Your size is Medium.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet

Tundra Coat. You have resistance to cold damage due to your thick fur coat. You also have advantage on Stealth checks when in snowy terrain while your fur is white and rocky terrain while your fur is gray or brown.

Arctic Endurance. You have advantage against saving throws from spells with cold effects or from extremely cold weather conditions. You are unable to die from exhaustion caused by cold weather.

Fennec Vulpine

Lore. In the harsh, dry lands of the desert, the fennec had made a home among the rock and sand. Ever since their people first traversed these sands, they learned the plentiful bounties that lay hidden in the hot sands. Over the generations, they adapted to better survive in these harsh lands. Their ears had grown to great size so to allow them to hear what lays underneath. Their bodies changed so that they don’t suffer from thirst during long treks across endless dunes. They can still drink water if they wish, they mostly retrieve their hydration through the food that they eat. This amazing biology made them perfect desert dwellers.

Fennec vulpine do not tend to settle in one location. They are nomadic by nature and move from place to place after several seasons. In their travels, they would put their ears to the ground and listen carefully to the sound of the earth. Most nomads are treasure hunters who dig up rare artifacts and sell them to highest bidder. Due to dealing with all types of people, the fennec vulpine have a strong deal making sense. They can always tell who has the most coin in their purse thanks to their giant ears. Shifting from super friendly to extremely aggressive at a drop of a hat if it suits their negotiations.

Their small size and large ears tend to make them the most beloved of the vulpine races. People finding both features to be very adorable. Some fennec find this insulting while others take advantage of their cuteness to get what they want. Either way, they found a niche area in society that gives them a social advantage above other vulpine. The fennec vulpines developed two different “faces” it wears in social situations. One worn when with their own kind or those they are close to, and the one they wear for everyone else.

Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 1, and your Wisdom score increases by 2.

Alignment. Your kind are traders and nomads by nature. They are often lawful good or neutral as they believe in following the one’s own beliefs over the beliefs of others.

Appearance. Your appearance is that of a fennec fox. You are small with large bat-like ears, and small dark colored eyes. You have short, sand colored fur with little distinguishing marks. Your tail is less bushy than other vulpine.

Size. The fennec vulps are much smaller than their medium sized cousins. As adults, they are about 2 to 3 feet tall and weigh between 25 to 40 pounds. Your size is Small.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 25 feet.

Bat Ears. You have advantage on all Perception checks that require hearing.

Desert Survivor. Due to fennec vulpines living in such a dry environment, you do not require to drink water to survive. When travelling through a desert or any terrain with similar environmental conditions, you do not suffer any exhaustion from it.

Zao Vulpine (aka the Kitsune subrace)

Lore. Many years ago, the vulpine race was given the choice of staying in their hidden home or explore the open world. Those that stayed continued in their traditions and ancient practices. Over time, they began to resemble more and more of their spiritual ancestors that first created them. The zao vulpine had begun the practice of channeling their divine power that was granted to them by their bloodline. Over the generations, young vulps were taught how to access this spiritual energy and manipulate it to do their will. Only a gifted few have learned to master it to the point of achieving abilities and traits that their mystical ancestors possessed.

At a young age, vulpine are trained to tap into their ancestor’s power, and the first sign of a potential candidate is the creation of fox fire. It is when this happens, the youth is brought forth to their elders and given a path to follow in life. Most become devote followers to their gods at a sacred shrine while others are given the path of the warrior. Some are even tasked to become weavers of magic or scholars. Once their path has been chosen, they are immediately sent off to be trained by a master to improve their skills.

Zao society is layered with strict guidelines and traditions that are expected to be followed. Those that do no follow these expectations are often treated like outcasts while those who are deemed “honorable�� are often the most highly regarded members of their society. Large and influential families often maintain their strength by having a tight grip on these traditions. Family members that often don’t live up to their own families’ expectations find themselves in desperate situations. It is not uncommon to hear rumors of children of such families either being disowned or sent far away until they can prove themselves worthy. Often or not, they are sent out on quest to the outside world to retrieve a lost artifact and return it to their people as a form of restoring their family’s honor.

Vulpine that live in the hidden homeland of their people are forbidden to ever leave it. The older generation believe that their kind has no place among those that once shunned them. Others developed a sense of superiority over the outsiders due to their close attachment to their ancient ancestors. The only times when any of their kind is allowed to leave is either to retrieve something that had been lost, or they were banished. Some curious young folk would sneak out on their own to satisfy their curiosity. This is often met with anger from the elders who would often bar them from ever returning home. Only those from a highly regarded family with strong political ties are allowed back inside. Often, trained seekers would go after and forcefully return them to their families.

Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 1, and your Charisma score increases by 2.      

Alignment. You have a deep connection with your celestial ancestors and therefore share your alignment with their own. Fox spirits that work alongside gods tend to be extremely lawful towards that god’s alignment while the wilder spirits lean on being chaotic.

Appearance. You appear to be like any other fox with some key differences. Your fur is attuned to the weave of magic and easily manipulated to take on many colors. Common base colors among your race is gold, silver, black, white, and other bright colors. Young kits often have their parents paint their fur with a magic brush so to match their family’s colors and insignia. As they get older, a vulpine can decide on how they should appear.

Size. You are slightly taller than most other vulpine, ranging between 5 and 6 feet at adult size. You weigh as much as an average humanoid of that size. You are a Medium sized creature.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet

Splintered Tails. Through your spiritual ancestry, you inherited a tail with mystical properties. Starting at 5th level, a new tail will split off from your original that is either visible or invisible from everyone except those with true sight or other zao vulpine. Theses tails can move independently or in unison. A new tail will grow every two levels after the 5th (levels 5, 7, 9, etc.) to a maximum of nine tails.

Fox Magic. You have the innate ability to cast certain spells with Charisma as your spellcasting ability. At 1st level, you know the Dancing Lights cantrip. When cast with this trait, the spell assumes the form of ghostly fire that when combined takes on either a humaniod or fox shape. When touched by other creatures, the flames deal 1d4 fire damage unless you will them to be harmless. At 3rd level, you can use a leaf to cast Disguise Self and appear as either a person or object. If you turn into a weapon, you have the heavy property and deal 1d8 bludgeoning damage. When inspected, your illusion can be touched by another creature, but it doesn’t feel natural. Your ears and tail will immediately appear for all to see if you are discovered, damaged, intoxicated, frightened, exhausted, or unconscious. At 5th level, you can learn to cast either Phantasmal Force or Mirror Image as part of this trait. You can use both Disguise Self and your chosen spell up to a max number of times equal to 1 + your Charisma modifier (minimum of 1) before needing a long rest.

Hoshi no Tama. At 3rd level, you will manifest a magic item that appears to be a shining round jewel containing your spiritual essence. This “star ball” can be used as an arcane focus which allows you to exhaust one of its charges to cast a 3rd level or lower spell at its lowest level instead of a spell slot. You can also exhaust a charge to cast a spell from your Fox Magic trait if you ran out of uses for it. The max amount of charges this item can hold is equal to the number of tails you possess from your Splintered Tails trait (to max of 9 charges). During a short rest, you can spend Hit Dice to recharge this item by one charge per die spent. This item can only be used by the one who manifested it, and if it is destroyed, its creator will suffer three levels of exhaustion (to max of 5 levels). A new star ball is manifested 1d12 days after its initial destruction.

So again, feel free to use this in your own games. If you don’t like some of the traits I’ve given, let me know which ones and tell me why. I plan to add this race to the DnD Beyond site and I want to have the best version of this race represented on it. So your comments will help me consider what I need to do to improve this race.

As for why I named the kitsune subrace “Zao”, it is because their home in the lore has been heavily based on Japan’s Miyagi Zao Fox Village. A place in Japan where foxes are rescued from being slaughtered. Figured that would be an appropriate tribute for in-game lore.  You can, however, refer to them as Kitsune on your character sheets.

[avahuang]

Fox and Bird

The fox was curled up in the grove when the heron found him. He looked up with heterochromatic eyes--was it just a trick of the light?--as she settled down in the grass in a flurry of wings.

“Hello, fancy seeing you again.”

“Bird. What brought you here?”

“Well, I’m heading home to my colony. But while I was enjoying the stillness of a perfect April night I had a sudden premonition that a familiar fox was tucked away below reading an extremely sad book, and was compelled to pay you a visit.”

The fox self-consciously draped a front leg over the cover of his novel. “Hypothesis: literature is real and everything else just happens to be.”

“You don’t believe that. You can’t be immersed in the beauty of the physical world and have the dew on your paws and believe that. What’s wrong?”

The fox yawned languidly and stretched his body. “I’ve been thinking about indecision. Often when I’m in conflict with my girlfriend, I entertain a thought experiment where I model that her brain works according to the laws of quantum mechanics and she’s in some sort of superposed state. So, for example, State A is that she’s thinking “I love Wesley and he’s a devoted boyfriend,” and State B is “I’m sick of Wesley’s bullshit and I’m going to go fuck another fox.” Now, it’s very difficult for me to live with not knowing whether she’s in State A or State B, so I can choose to force her into an eigenstate, i.e. make her pick a stance. But this can end up negatively impacting the situation, and I think I’ve just ended up wishing that I had just left things superposed.”

“You’re saying she fucked the other fox.”

“She did, and it was exquisitely painful. But now I’m left with a philosophical dilemma about eigenstates and I have no data to support my claims either way. It’s all just speculation.”

“You’re overthinking it. When I met my husband I was drinking at the river and we made eye contact and the only dilemma was who was going to fly over to whom. And look at us now: every day he wakes me up by dropping whatever remains from his morning meal into my beak. Compatibility is the result of commitment, not a precondition. I think you believe that you have a philosophical dilemma but you’re really just heartbroken.”

“I’m not denying that. Also, the two aren’t mutually exclusive.”

“I’d offer to let you follow me home, but you’d cause quite an inconvenient stir and I’m afraid you’d be tempted to eat the little ones. But we can walk south together for a while.”

It was an uncommonly clear night and the moon was out above them. The fox observed the heron’s elongated orange beak and s-shaped neck with an appreciative eye. He would have been tempted to attack her if she was weakened, but fortunately she was in the prime of her life and he knew his odds based on size and speed weren’t great. He had been too busy sponging in his regret to properly focus on hunting as of late. The familiar hunger pulled at him.

“Stop looking at me like that,” the heron snapped.

“I’m sorry. I’m a carnivore. You smell really good.”

“You act like you’re just a slave to your instincts. But personality isn’t primitive—we arrive at it—and you have a well-developed personality. You have moral resources.”

“I’ve read too much Spinoza. Deus sive natura, natura naturans. Oh wait—“ he paused “—I smell rabbit. Give me a moment, will you?”

There was rustling, a rapidfire chase, and the sound of jaws sinking into velvety flesh. The fox emerged from the bushes with a gleam in his eyes and small flecks of blood on his muzzle.

“Excuse you.”

The fox sighed. “There are moments when I can feel my whole existence reduced to the joy of consumption. No more worrying about who’s licking Amritha’s muzzle, no more about whether the kits will grow up okay, just warm flesh and the placid limpness of a freshly dead body.”

“So you’d rather be an unthinking animal.”

“I wouldn’t say that sentience increases happiness as compared to a pure instinctual life.”

“And yet you didn’t eat me when you pulled me from the river two years ago.”

“Yeah, well, I pitied you. You know what Spinoza says about pity?”

“It’s an expensive emotion for a predator with a relatively short lifespan?”

“Sure, we can go with that. And now I get to have a bird interrupt my solitude. That’s my reward.”

The heron shrugged. “I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Your solitude will be punctured sooner or later by a heartbreakingly beautiful female fox in heat next year during breeding season. You’re young and virile.”

“Another hypothesis: life is just disputing over carcasses with wolves, good-naturedly dealing with the consequences of a hierarchy that is set from the time you are a cub, and trying to write a novel even though you know you have no ear for narrative.”

“Stop it. Here, I’ll tell you some good news: I just laid my first batch of eggs. Five of them, pale blue. Their dad is incubating them right now. In approximately 14 days they’ll hatch and then I’ll have chicks that I’ll feed by regurgitating food into their mouths. And then two months later they’ll take their first flight. Because you didn’t eat me, I’ve spawned a new generation. I know that may seem arbitrary in the grand scheme of things, but the great truth of life is that the arbitrary is made miraculous by sheer improbability. I’ve been given, and therefore had the chance to give the gift of existence. I would encourage you to recognize all pain that seems specific is in fact generalized, by which I mean unoriginal, and you’re more likely have a perfectly fulfilling life by satisfying all your biological needs without taking any of them too seriously. To put it another way: in practical life we are compelled to follow what is most probable. It’s only in speculative thought that we’re compelled to follow truth.”

“You have read Spinoza. Congratulations on motherhood.”

The heron winked. “I’ll try not to raise illiterate children. Good night.”

They had reached the edge of the water, which streamed by in a white rush to the sea. The fox watched as the heron spread her great dappled wings and flapped until she was just a distant dot in the sky. It was spring in Southern California, which meant the aromatic smell of sage pervaded the air and blazing yellow wildflowers dotted the dry ground. He could very faintly sense rodent life moving through tunnels underground. The sky was a predawn indigo.

He yawned again. It was late. The world was heartbreakingly beautiful in its aliveness. The world was very boring. He felt like reading another book.  

[jacewilliams1]

Five airplanes every pilot should fly

You don’t get to pick your parents and most pilots don’t get to pick the airplane they learn to fly in. If the local flight school has a beat up old Cherokee, that’s what you’ll fly, whether you love Pipers or not. But once you earn your license, it’s a real thrill to check out in (or at least log some time in) a variety of airplanes. I actually think this is more interesting than adding a new rating—new models offer new adventures and new lessons to learn, and there are no annoying FAA tests to pass.

What should you fly? Almost anything with wings. I might skip the rare Soviet warbird that hasn’t flown in 25 years, but unless you have reason to doubt the design or construction, strap in and go flying. You won’t catch Barry Schiff; still, it’s fun to try.

While all airplanes have stories to tell, some are more important and more interesting than others. Here are five I believe should be in every pilot’s logbook or on their to-do list. These aren’t necessarily the best or most exciting airplanes ever to take to the skies, but they define specific ages in general aviation and make up the rich history of our industry. Call it the general aviation canon.

1. Piper Cub. The familiar yellow taildragger almost single-handedly created general aviation in America, teaching an entire generation of pilots to fly. Consider the numbers: in 1939 there were fewer than 35,000 pilots; by 1950 there were over 500,000. One key reason so many Americans earned their license was obviously the military, but that meant the Cub was often their first airplane. In fact, nearly 20,000 were built in less than a decade. For comparison, only 10,000 piston airplanes total were delivered between 2010 and 2019.

A yellow Piper Cub in the grass is the essence of recreational aviation.

But the Cub is also a survivor, a symbol of a general aviation boom that didn’t really happen. At the end of World War II, some enthusiasts assumed that the thousands of returning military pilots would want to settle down to family life with an airplane in the garage. It didn’t turn out that way (commuting by Cub wasn’t quite as practical as boosters predicted), and many interesting airplanes disappeared as the post-war boom turned into a bust. 

Not the Cub. Almost 100 years after it was introduced and many decades since it was last produced, the Cub remains an iconic airplane. It’s fun to fly, affordable to own, and challenging enough to be rewarding when mastered. Some are basic airplanes with no electrical system, some are fully restored showplanes, and some are modern reincarnations of the famous design���all of them are recreational aviation in its purest form. Spending a late afternoon with a Cub on a grass runway is just about the most fun you can have in aviation. It’s like going back in time, but without having to stroll around a dusty museum.

2. Beech Bonanza. After the bust of the early 1950s, general aviation began its next big boom in the 60s. Cessna thought the post-war future looked like the 195, a gorgeous but fairly dated airplane with a tailwheel and a radial engine. Beechcraft, on the other hand, designed a strikingly modern airplane with low wings, retractable gear, and an engine we would recognize today. The public voted with its checkbook, and by the mid-60s the Bonanza was a best-seller. In particular, the V-tail S35 and V35/A/B models were memorable designs, the pinnacle of general aviation flying in that decade. When you showed up in one of those sleek airplanes, you not-so-subtly told the world you had arrived.

Beyond making good airplanes, Beechcraft helped to create the era of personal transportation by light airplane. Here was a machine that could go beyond the local area, with both the performance and reliability to be a personal airliner. Ads from the 60s show businessmen and families alike traveling in the comfort and speed of a Bonanza, a dream that pilots still chase today.

Much like the Cub, the Bonanza lives on. In this case, you can buy a brand new one, but you’ll find even 55-year old models doing everything from chasing $100 hamburgers to logging hard IFR flights. It’s still a joy to fly, with responsive controls and solid performance. I was raised on Cessnas, so the first time I hand flew a Bonanza I felt like I had stepped out of a pickup truck and into a sports car. I instantly understood why people loved it. The Bo has had many imitators over the years, but not until the Cirrus (see below) did the graceful Beech finally face a real threat—an incredible run of over 50 years.

3. Cessna 172. Here’s my nominee for best all-around general aviation airplane. It’s not fast, it doesn’t haul that much, and most pilots wouldn’t call it a beautiful airplane, but it’s capable of handling a wide variety of missions without complaint. As a trainer it is unmatched, taking the place of the Cub as the most popular flight school airplane. As a cross-country IFR airplane it is surprisingly capable, as Richard Collins proved many years ago during his criss-crossing of the US in one. It has also served as a photo platform, a law enforcement tool, and a perfect first airplane for new owners.

The Cessna 172 is the most popular trainer for a reason.

One reason for its success is its forgiving nature and bulletproof design. It has enough power to take three people on a 300-mile trip but not so much that pilots quickly get in trouble, a complaint early in the V-tail Bonanza’s life. The systems are basic but reliable: just watch the abuse the landing gear takes during a typical pancake breakfast fly-in if you want proof. The 172 (don’t call it a Skyhawk) is the everyman airplane. 

It also represents the glory days of general aviation, a 10-year span in the late 60s and 70s when it seemed like flying would become a mainstream activity. Cessnas were on popular TV shows and sales were as red hot as the Miami condo market in the mid-2000s. In 1978, over 17,000 piston airplanes were delivered, a stunning number never to be equaled (or even approached), and the Cessna 172 led the charge.

4. Cirrus SR22. After the GA winter of the late 1980s, many pilots wondered if the industry would ever recover. Cessna restarted its single engine line in 1996, but arguably the real rebirth of personal aviation came from two brothers in Minnesota. When the Klapmeiers’ sleek SR20 hit the market in 1999, it had some radically new assumptions (fast airplanes can have fixed gear, safe airplanes have a parachute, big color screens are better than round dials) and some sexy marketing to go with it.

Many scoffed, but it worked. Cirrus has delivered more than 5,000 airplanes since 2006, dwarfing Cessna’s 182/206 line of traveling airplanes and even outselling the vaunted Bonanza by a wide margin. In one of the most impressive turnarounds in aviation history, the SR22’s accident record has gone from a liability to a strength, and the once-scrappy startup has established a powerful brand with devoted fans. It is the airplane non-pilots dream about.

Whether it’s the parachute or the occasionally abrasive fans, Cirrus has made some enemies over the years, but in my experience, the biggest skeptics have the least experience with the airplane. My advice? Don’t hate it until you fly it. The SR22 is everything a modern airplane should be: it’s a joy to fly, the performance is impressive, and the interior comfort is magnificent. On a cross country trip in one last year, I found myself cruising along at 170 knots in air conditioned comfort, with deice protection and great avionics to point the way. Not bad for a fixed gear piston airplane. I think it’s fun to fly, but at the very least, passengers love it—and that should count for a lot.

The RV-12 is one of the few successful Light Sport Airplanes.

5. Van’s RV series. What will follow the Cirrus? Maybe nothing in the transportation segment of the market. But to me, the next generation of recreational aviation has been around for a long time and is only now starting to claim the spotlight. As certified airplanes have become more and more expensive (that 172 is now a $400,000 airplane), the “Van’s Air Force” of homebuilts has become a more attractive option for everyday pilots. The build time has been reduced with the use of ingenious quick-build kits, and the avionics options are actually better than most certified airplanes.

Which RV to fly may be the hardest question. The RV-12 is what an LSA should be, light on weight but heavy on fun. The RV-10 is basically a half-price Cirrus, with excellent performance and seats for four. The RV-8 is your own personal airshow airplane, with thrilling performance but reasonable operating costs. All of them exhibit great flying qualities and affordable operating costs (I remember being shocked the first time I flew an RV-12 and saw a fuel burn of less than 4 gallons per hour).

While I’m not a homebuilder, I’m excited by the energy and the innovation in that world. The latest models are safer than previous generations and practical enough to be used both in flight schools and for cross-country travel. If there’s going to be a rebirth of piston aviation, I would put my money on RVs and not Skyhawks or Bonanzas.

Bonus: I promised I would stop at five airplanes, and I will. But if you’re looking for extra credit, let me add a category: light jets. Along with experimental airplanes, the real growth in general aviation over the last 10 years has been in turbine airplanes. These are wildly expensive and certainly overkill for VFR pilots in search of the next great airport diner, but the progress here has been stunning. I got to ride in the right seat of a Citation Mustang a few years ago and couldn’t believe how easy it was to fly. Compared to a Cessna 421 or a King Air, the top of the heap in the late 70s, the Mustang was a walk in the park—even single pilot. Life is just different in the turbine world, from the systems (FADEC, automatic pressurization) to the maintenance (much better than typical piston shops) to the training (regular simulator sessions). Light GA manufacturers and pilots could learn a few things from the jet jockeys, so if you’re ever offered a ride in a CJ or a Phenom, don’t hesitate.

What airplanes are on your personal to-fly list?

The post Five airplanes every pilot should fly appeared first on Air Facts Journal.

from Engineering Blog https://airfactsjournal.com/2020/07/five-airplanes-every-pilot-should-fly/

[cardboardhogs]

I have a stack of cards in front of me that have a story that needs to be unearthed, something that can connect the pieces of card stock together in a nice little cycle of like kinda way.  I just don’t know what that story is yet.  I got foil cards. I got celebrity cards, I got guys with turkey necks and a guy that took a barbecue sauce bath, and some cards that are called Fire but look like Chihuly glass…guess it was fired glass…semantics i guess.  Let’s start with the celebrity stock of First Pitches.

Two rappers, one is The Rapper…Chance that is.  The other is Warren G.  If you have been reading my words the past few years, you are fully aware of my affinity towards the rap music and culture.  I’m pretty critical with my rap music though, almost a snob…yes, you should call it a snobbish attitude.  I love lyrics and great storytelling.  Guys…and Gals…that can paint a picture with their words in a seemingly quick or witty manner.  The two guys above do that, although in all honesty, i can’t say i’m a fan of either.  The reason for me?  Their voice.  Guru from Gangstarr had a song “Mostly the Voice” that clearly explained that its mostly the voice that we love or hate about a rapper.  Now, he did go on to explain that the lyrics are critical as well, but in his opinion…it’s mostly the voice, and i agree with these two guys.  Both Chance and Warren G have very distinctive sounds to them and are incredible story tellers.  One of Warren G’s biggest hits was a terrific narrative of the wild life of an inner city Regulators, but the voice though…couldn’t handle it, plus it was the kind of laid back west coast music i wasn’t really in to back then.  Now, Chance is one of those new rappers and i’m an old guy, so part of my distaste for his sound is that i’m not sure i truly get his metaphors.  Seems like a great kid, positive kid trying to do some great things and share his stories…just not something i’m really in to yet.  Possibly haven’t given it a good enough listen, I just struggle with him.  Plus he’s in Kit Kat commercials and gettin’ down with so many different stars on my television set and internet machines.  Seems like a lot of success came quick for him, too quick.  I’m sure he’s been grinding at his craft for a while…but too much too soon for me to be a believer.

Speaking of quick success, Aubrey Plaza.  Came on the scene out of nowhere with her popular character in the comedy series Park and Recreation (April Ludgate) who might have been the quintessential apathetic employee…that’s what the backside of this card said about her.  Think that’s pretty appropriate.  I had never heard of her until the Parks and Rec show that i watched for Nick Offermans’ character, Ron Swanson and the lovable Amy Poehler.  I feel like Aubrey is one of those actors/actresses that doesn’t really ACT! but rather ends up playing the same person in each role that is really her in real life like Vince Vaughn or Michael Cera.  She’s cute, awkwardly funny and somewhat edgy i guess.  I must admit that her glove seems excessively large for her scale of human being.  A smaller glove may have been in order for her big first pitch opportunity.  Wonder if she could borrow another one?

  Here are those Fire cards i was talking about earlier, not really sure how i feel about these inserts.  Maybe if the card stock was thicker and possibly shinier, shiny is good sometimes, then i might be all in.  I’m definitely all in for Griffey and McCutchen.

Griffey and Cutch appear to be in a flaming cauldron and trying to swing their way out to a burning hell.  The Cutch card should be a Steelers card.  Meanwhile the two Dodgers i pulled are emerging straight out of a pit of propane and butane, or more poeticly, emerging from the latest experimental Chihuly sculpture.  Either way Maeda is feeling the effects of those flames coming in as hot as blue blazes!!! (my grandma would have been so proud of me for getting that one in, miss you Winn!)

We’re about to go from fire to foil, just like a night over the grill.  (Really wished i pulled a Jason Grilli foil card, would have made that transition solid gold).  I will settle for this quote though from the back of Pat Deans’ card “the cunning southpaw soaked up a barbecue sauce shower after beating Felix Hernandez for his first win”.  So foil, grilling, BBQ sauce, Pat Dean:

You readers at home are just going to have to trust me in regards to the foil on these guys.  It’s there, you can’t see, but trust me, it’s there.

The next card was a pretty cool pull, a Cubs team card black and white reverse negative SP card…wait, It’s a Jake Arrieta card…wait, it’s a Jake Arrieta no-hitter card…wait, it’s a damn checklist.  Damn!!!  It’s also a very demonic appearing David Ross.

Moving on to the next group of cards.  Serial numbered foil cards with perforated screen print and a running 2016 Topps banner…these cards have it all…everything on one card.  If it had a snowflake/snow flake (forgot to look that up today…) it would have been over the top though.  The thing that struck me about this trifecta of National League East pitchers was their turkey neck poses.  I wonder how many players get excited to see their cards in a pack and pull…

THIS!

OR THIS!

OR THIS…!!!

Actually, i can’t really see Bartolo Colon ever caring about his image on a card, seems too carefree for such frivolities.  That glove…he should let Aubrey Plaza use that if she ever tosses out the first pitch for the Metropolitans.

I have a few more cards to post, the hits you know.  Gotta wait for those tomorrow though.  Kinda happy with the little success i had with those three cards…not a bad bunch.  Nothing ground breaking, but nice no less.

Hope you guys have a great evening.

Here’s a video from one of the greatest storytellers in rap and a no doubt classic.  From 1988!!!

One more Chance! I have a stack of cards in front of me that have a story that needs to be unearthed, something that can connect the pieces of card stock together in a nice little cycle of like kinda way.